AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
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Item TECHNICAL APPRAISAL OF SOME MAIZE SHELLERS IN OYO AND KWARA STATES OF NIGERIA(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale, M.O.; Ogwumike, J.C.; Olenloa, A.E.; Kolayemi, O.R; Ala, A.A.; Omodara, O.M.; Otitodun, G. O.; Nwaubani, S.I.; Ileleji, K.E.; McNe, S.G.; Opit, G.P.This study assessed the performance of some maize shellers in use in grain markets in Oyo and Kwara States, Nigeria. A preliminary survey conducted identified shellers in use as basic maize sheller (BMS) without blower, maize sheller with blower attachment (MSB) and the multi-purpo'* s. ller (MPS). The shelling/cleaning performance of the shellers were assessed using yellow maize (SWAN ' variety) and some key equipment parameters, which impact performance were measured. The air velocity for MSB and MPS ranged bet een 0.4 and 2.4 m/s which was not sufficient for efficient cleaning of chaff from shelled grains. Shaft speed for BMS, MSB and MPS were 845, 920 and 820 rpm, respectively. Average throughput for BMS, MSB and MPS was ',7'4, 600 and 840 kg/hr, respectively with mean shelling efficiencies of 92.9, 82.7 and 97.9%, respectively. Mea. ^leaning efficiencies were 54.0 and 57.7% for MSB and MPS, respectively. The percentage grain loss for BMS, MSB and MPS were '7, 7.' and '.9%, respectively. It was observed that many fabricators do not consult agricultural engineers when producing machines, relying more on previous experience. Additionally, there was a lack of consideration for operator safety with the exposure of moving parts of the equipment in all the designs evaluated. A key recommendation from this study is that sheller designs should be standardized to ensure the provision of quality and highly efficient machinery for processors.Item EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CROP CULTIVATION: NEED FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTIC SYSTEMS IN NIGERIAN AGRICULTURE(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Babatunde,Y.; Omobowale, M.O.The effect of COVID-19 lockdown on crop planting mechanization and ,’e ne ed to use artificial intelligence and robotic systems as better alternatives in the early planting s ason in Nigeria was examined during the lockdown (April to July, 2020). The study are's include Oyo and Bayelsa states. The data generated were gathered through oral interview, discussions, e-questionnaires, live questionnaires and routine sources. Purposive and online sampling techniques were adopted and data were analyzed using Kobo Toolbox (KT), Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, R-programming version 3.2.2 and word excel version 2013. About ninety-one (91) respondents’ opinions were sampled. The crops plated during the lockdown include maize (35.16%), cassava (24.18%), tomatoes (15.38%), V. g'+abrns (9.89%), pepper (6.6%), yam (5.49%) and undecided (3.30%) as indicated by the respondents. About 52.7% respondents observed that planting time was affected by COVID-19 louden while 40.7% said that planting time was not affected because of their system of farming and closeness to farm locations and 6.6% of the respondents were undecided. This gap created in planting time can be bridged with robotic systems while the farmers are observing lockdown and planting their crops using Artificial Intelligence (AI) at home. Farm implements (Traditional & mechanized) were discovered to be in deplorable conditions by 76% of our respondents that can be curbed with maintenance robots using AI while 16% of the respondents agreed *hat implements and tools were in good shape during the period. The use of mechanization for crop planting stands at 32% while the use of traditional implements (Hoes, cutlasses, hand sprayers) stands at 68% during the lockdown due to non-availability of skilled labour. Hiring of mechanized implements (Tractors, planters, seeders) and tools became difficult during me lockdown as agreed upon by 87% of the respondents and 9% of the respondents indicated that implements and tools hiring was not difficult and 4% of the respondents are undecided. The problems encountered by farmers are capital (60%), credit facility (63%), loan (61.54%), agricultural insurance (69.2%), high cost of labour (85%) and high cost of transportation (86.8%). The possible solutions suggested by the respondents are access to credit facility, free movement, special incentives, availability of loans at low interest rate, subsidized farm implements, agricultural schemes creation, provision of fertilizers and herbicides. Farmers observed COVID-19 protocols; Social distancing (54.9%), hand washing (26.4%), hand sanitizing (6.6%), Coughing into arm (4.4%) combined (4.4%) and undecided (3.3%). None of the farmers interviewed use robotic system for their farming operations. Government is therefore advised, to look into farmers’ plight by encouraging artificial intelligence and robotics systems to overcome challenges associated with crop cultivation during lockdown and human movement restrictions.Item Postharvest Practices among Grain Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale M.O.The need for adequate postharvest crop management has come to the fore in sub-Saharan Africa. A survey was conducted in ten farm settlements in Oyo state, Nigeria, where 400 farmers w interviewed. Respondents were predominantly males (82%), and about 33% did not undergo any formal educa io ,. About 39% reported hardly ever seeing agricultural extension agents coming to train them on mitigation of po; uar est losses, while 87% of the farmers agreed that they experience significant postharvest losses. Observations revealed a low level of postharvest mechanization, while storage structures and processing equipment installed at the inc ption of the settlements were in a state of disrepair. Maize threshers were found in all settlements however, b1 owers, dryers and modern storage facilities which would ensure that grains are processed and stored properly were unavailable. Inability to effectively stop insect damage to stored grains makes over 80% of the farmers to apply unapproved chemicals such as DD—Force (Dichlorvos as active ingredient) on harvested crops despite the threat to human health. Moreover, about 60% of the farmers surveyed were unaware of aflatoxin related issues. An obv; ,us g p in information dissemination to farmers in hard-to-reach locations must be eradicated if sub-Saharan Africa will achieve food securityItem Evaluation of market-level storage structures and postharvest losses of selected fruits and vegetables: A case study of five markets in Ibadan(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale M.O.. Although several measures have been adopted to enhance food storage in sub-Saharan Africa, postharvest losses continue to increase. Addressing the negative *re. , re quires up-to-date information on current practices by agroallied personnel involved in the postharvest handling oi perishables to proffer effective solutions. This study explored the level of postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables in five markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. The proportionate sampling technique was employed to collect data from 235 ellers in the markets using a questionnaire. The percentage of grade loss in the supply chain was classified as bruises, mold, and rot. It was revealed that the quality of about 89.2% of the fruits and vegetables degrade during and au'r transportation. Storage conditions which include keeping the produce on a wooden platform, on the bare floor in stalls, and storage in non-ventilated enclosed rooms remain crude and this also contributes to losses incurred. Imr-ov^ment and maintenance of road infrastructures, the establishment of improved storage facilities and the introduction of modern storage technologies would be recommended for reducing postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables i. mai. ets of Ibadan.Item Moisture Absorption, Shrinkage Ratio and Compressive Strength of Cement Stabilized Laterite Bricks Mixed with Spent Engine Oil(Durable Crops Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, P.M.B. 1489, Ilorin, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale, M.O.Spent engine oil is one of the waste products that create environmental problems due to improper disposal methods. Oils are known to reduce moisture diffusivity, however, and sufficient experimental data is required to prove this. Moisture diffusion, which causes moisture movement into storage facilities, is a known problem in the bulk storage of dried products. This study investigated the effect of spent engine oil (SEO) on cement stabilized laterite bricks with respect to moisture absorption, volumetric shrinkage, and compressive strength for possible use in constructing storage structures. SEO addition was varied at 0. 0, 0.2, and 0.4 kg by the weight of cement. Likewise, samples were produced at varied mix ratios of 0:5, 1:5, and 2:5 of cement and laterite, respectively. Water quantity was also varied at 0.35, 0.4, and 0.45. Moisture absorption decreased with an increase in spent engine oil addition, and shrinkage ratio decreased gradually with an increase in cement quantity. Except for a few instances, spent oil addition resulted in compressive strength degradation of the bricks. Shrinkage in samples at spent oil addition of 0.2 and 0.4 kg was minimal. It was concluded that the addition of 0.2 kg spent engine oil at the mixing ratio of 2:5:0.4 (cement:laterite: w.ter) is most suitable for structural purposes if moisture inhibition is a desirable property in brick production because of reduced level of degradation in brick strength.Item ASSESSING EFFICACIES OF INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT METHODS TO PRESERVE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF BAGGED MAIZE IN STOREHOUSES LOCATED IN MARKETS IN NIGERIA(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale, M.O.; Otitodun, G.O.; Ala, A.A.; Ajao, S.K.; Ogundare, M.O.; Olenloa, A.E.; Busari, G.S.; Abel, G.I.; Braimah, J.A.; Kolayemi, O.R.; Ogwumike, J.C.; Opit, G.P.; Ileleji, K.E.; McNeill6, S.G.Maize needs to be stored using effective and safe postharvest management measures to prevent physical insect damage as well as ensure stability of nutritional quality during storage. In this study, conducted in February-December 2016, insect pest management methods for bagged maize preservation in storehouses located in markets in Nigeria were evaluated for their ability to preserve nutritional quality. Study locations were :n three grain markets, namely Eleekara market in Oyo town and Arisekola market i ' Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria, and Ago market in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Treatments comprised Piper guineense (Botanical), Bularf diatomaceous earth (DE), permethrin powder (Rambo™) (Permethrin), PICS bags (hermetic) and ZeroFly® bags (non-hermetic). The study also had negative control (Control) comprising untreated maize in polypropylene bags. In geeras a result of insect infestation, protein content increased in all treatments except KCS which had the least infestation. After 11 months of storage, Permethrin and PICS treatments had the lowest insect infestation levels and the highest energy levels. Energy level in the Botanical treatment was also high and similar to levels in Permethrin and PICS treatments most likely due to fats and essential oils in P. guineense being adsorbed and/or absorbed by kernels. Fat content was lower in the Control and DE treatments likely due to the Control having the highest insect infestation and the DE adsorbing and/or absorbing fat from kernels. During stor g„ carbohydrate content decreased in all treatments except the Control. However, even in the Control, there was a clear trend of decrease in carbohydrate content. Because the Control had the highest insect (Sitophilus zeamais) infestation and insect damaged kernels (IDK), this trend in decrease in carbohydrate content may be insect related. Ash content increased in the ZeroFly treatment, was unchanged in Botanical, Control, and PICS treatments, and decreased in DE and Permethrin treatments. Nutritional quality variables in this study were within or close to known value ranges for maize. Therefore, use of maize that had been fumigated well and had a relatively low initial grain MC (9.1%), in addition to the effects of the treatments most likely slowed down population growth of the several insect r pe^es that were found and contributed to preserving nutritional quality. The relatively low insect populations in all treatments, including the Control, during the February-September period probably reduced the clarity of effects of infestation on nutriti nal composition reported in this study.Item Performance evaluation of the DehytrayTM solar drying device using plantain, pepper and okra under the tropical conditions of Oyo State, Nigeria(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 2021) Omobowale M.O.; Olenloa, A.E.; Okoro, N.E.Item The design and construction of a pulp molding machine(2021) Kolajo T.E.; Onilude M.A.; Omoniyi T.E.; Oladosu O.T.The conversion of fibrous wastes into useful packaging materials has become imperative to effectively manage the vast amount of waste paper and paper products. A laboratory sized machine was developed to mold pulp slurry into a bowl by suction. The processes included collection of waste papers, sorting to grades, cleaning, refining, molding and drying. The machine comprises of the mold, counter mold, slurry vat and lowering mechanism. The machine works on the suction principle with a pulp slurry consistency of about 5%.Item A review on the renewable energy from agricultural and forest residues in nigeria(2021) Olorunnisola A.O.; Richards,A.; Omoniyi T.E.Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources among them are residues from agricultural and forest sources. Since these residues are usually dumped in landfills as waste, constituting environmental and waste disposal problems, the need to utilise them is necessary in achieving the seventh and ninth targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. One of the avenues where agricultural and forest residues can be utilised is through biomass technology. Therefore, this paper assessed the potential conversion of these residues into useful and sustainable electricity generation in Nigeria. In addition, the paper gathers information from a pool of relevant reports on the current state of Nigeria’s power sector and the domestication of some small-scale biomass power plants across the country. In this review paper, it was found that Nigeria is one of the biggest economic power in Africa and has the potential to generate electricity and other bioenergy products from the present stock of biomass available in the country, thereby making the country self-sufficient in the provision of power supply and fuel production.Item Development of a coir fibre extracting machine(2020) Omoniyi T.E.; Ayodele E. B.The traditional methods of extracting fibres from the coconut husks are extremely tedious and time-consuming and not suitable for large scale production. The objective of the study was to develop an efficient and effective, low-cost, coir fibre extracting machine from locally available resources. The machine consists of the hopper, crushing, sieving and the power transmission units, which were manufactured using standard manufacturing techniques. From the design analysis, a 6hp electric motor was required to drive the 0.00938m3 hopper capacity machine to produce a torque of 11.8Nm at 3000rpm. The flat-belt required to transmit power from one pulley to the other was 1.5m long and had a groove angle of 170, and a torsional moment of 11.98Nm was acting on a shaft of diameter 30mm. Performance evaluation showed that the efficiency of the crushing unit and sieving units respectively ranged from 72 to 96% and 81.9 to 82.1% at 8.0% M.C. The average throughputs for the crushing and sieving units were; 14.5kg/hr and 13.9kg/hr respectively. The machine developed will serve as a time, labour and money saver in successful extraction of coir fibres for composite productions and other applications.